Exercise Physiology Concentration

Welcome to the Exercise Physiology Graduate Program!

Our Focus

The graduate concentration in exercise physiology will help prepare students to meet societal challenges for health and wellness. This area of study provides an advanced theoretical and research background in exercise physiology, as well as hands-on experience gained through a required internship. There are 3 areas of focus in the exercise physiology graduate program. 

Curriculum

The curriculum prepares students for a variety of careers, including corporate and community fitness specialists, clinical exercise specialists, coaching for performance enhancement, teaching, and research.

Strength & Conditioning

NSCA logo

Additionally, after completing the M.A. program, our students often complete various certification exams (e.g., National Strength and Conditioning Association), and others continue in doctoral programs in exercise physiology.

Laboratories

Exercise Physiology Laboratory

Clinical Exercise Physiology Laboratory/Human Neural Control Laboratory info coming soon!

Careers

Graduates of the MA program in Kinesiology (exercise physiology option) currently work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Colleges and universities (teachers, strength and conditioning coaches)
  • Corporate fitness programs (personal trainers, program managers, group exercise leaders)
  • Community health and fitness facilities (personal trainers, program managers, group exercise leaders)
  • Hospital-based cardiopulmonary wellness programs (exercise physiologists)
  • Research
  • Secondary schools (strength and conditioning coaches)

Health: There is great need for well-trained and qualified fitness professionals to work with the growing sedentary and obese populations in the United States, and to work together with physicians and other health care professionals to provide appropriate exercise prescriptions and programs for healthy children and adults, as well as patient populations.

Performance: In addition, there is growth in the need for well-trained and qualified professionals to work with athletic-oriented populations toward the achievement of optimal human performance.

Environment: Further, there is increased need to enhance the performance of diverse populations in varying environmental conditions

Faculty

Any questions you have regarding this concentration can be directed to either Dr. Cisar, Dr. Jensen, or Dr. Plato.

Craig Cisar Craig Cisar, Ph.D.
Professor Exercise Physiology and Exercise Sciences Spartan Complex 117
408-924-3018
craig.cisar@sjsu.edu

Areum Jensen Areum Jensen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Spartan Complex 175
408-924-8153
areum.jensen@sjsu.edu

Dr. Peggy Plato Peggy Plato, Ph.D.
Professor
Applied Exercise Physiology 
General Education Program Coordinator
Spartan Complex 174
408-924-3032
peggy.plato@sjsu.edu